Friday, February 7th 2025
Intel "Nova Lake" to Appear with up to 52 Cores: 16P+32E+4LPE Configuration
Intel's upcoming "Nova Lake" desktop processors are taking shape slowly, featuring a three-tier core design that could reach 52 total cores. Set for 2026, the flagship SKU combines 16 "Coyote Cove" P-cores with 32 "Arctic Wolf" E-cores, supplemented by 4 LPE-cores for background task management. Intel is reportedly also considering 28-core (8P + 16E + 4LPE), and 16-core (4P + 8E + 4LPE) SKUs too. The architectural design choice centers on Intel's hybrid manufacturing approach, leveraging both its internal 14A node and TSMC's 2 nm process technology. This strategic decision addresses supply chain resilience while potentially enabling higher yields for critical compute tiles. Intel's interim co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus noted that Intel Foundry will need to earn Intel Product's trust with each new node, so if a node is not the best for their in-house IP, Intel will move to TSMC for production.
Initial engineering samples are already circulating among developers, according to shipping documentation from NBD, suggesting the validation phase is proceeding on schedule. Some specifications point to significant cache improvements, with documentation suggesting a 144 MB L3 cache implementation. However, the cache topology—whether unified or segmented—remains unspecified. The platform is expected to support PCIe Gen 6.0, though Intel has yet to confirm socket compatibility or memory specifications. However, we need to hold our expectations low. Previously unrealized configurations in Intel's roadmaps, like 40-core "Arrow Lake," never materialized, and instead, we got an eight-P-core version with 16 E-cores, totaling 24 cores. Final specifications may evolve as the platform progresses through development phases.
Sources:
@jaykihn0 on X, via Tom's Hardware
Initial engineering samples are already circulating among developers, according to shipping documentation from NBD, suggesting the validation phase is proceeding on schedule. Some specifications point to significant cache improvements, with documentation suggesting a 144 MB L3 cache implementation. However, the cache topology—whether unified or segmented—remains unspecified. The platform is expected to support PCIe Gen 6.0, though Intel has yet to confirm socket compatibility or memory specifications. However, we need to hold our expectations low. Previously unrealized configurations in Intel's roadmaps, like 40-core "Arrow Lake," never materialized, and instead, we got an eight-P-core version with 16 E-cores, totaling 24 cores. Final specifications may evolve as the platform progresses through development phases.
33 Comments on Intel "Nova Lake" to Appear with up to 52 Cores: 16P+32E+4LPE Configuration
High benchmark numbers in nonsense benchmarks which can utilise all cores vs real life scenario which needs performance cores with all cpu instructions with high ipc.
that high a number of e cores is silly, 8 is plenty
4 is good 16 p cores and full avx please
so that shouldn’t be a problem.
and since it if it ever were to come to market is going to be 2027 product memory clocks are going to be nearer the 10k mark
8+32 would make for an excellent productivity GPU with very competent gaming. Assuming the new gen at least beats Raptor Lake in games.
Oof... someone at M$ team will try to pull his hair out making this work like it should.
Just throw away E-cores, and do P-core only die, please.
It shouldn't be that much harder than what Intel's currently doing.
I agree that it may support those, but only when CPUs are of the "usual" architecture [ie. non-hybrid].
Reason : Those CPUs had simply build on top of code that previous years of work laid (squishing most of the bugs inside kernel earlier).
28-core (8P + 16E + 4LPE) - I agree with these 8 Performance Cores, but who needs those 20 low value trash cores?
I think android based smartphones and tablets have 4 + 4 ARM cores without hyperthreading for a long time.
I do not see any drawback with a Ryzen 7600X. For a low end entry point gaming box or desktop system.
The linux kernel has no support for those intel special reduced cores and windows also does not have it.
I talk about full 100% support in the year 2023, month january.
I do check regularly the changes for the linux kernel - there is so much done in regards of those mixxed core stuff and scheduler. The work has not really started.
If you disagree - please run your windows installation with the first windows 10 iso - first release version. Not windows 11 or later. Same with all those chipset driver and other nonsense. Use the first ever released version - the stock universal one - from the first windows 10 iso.
In 2023 there were several months or years already those mixed core processors widely available to the end consumer.
Intel right now is like moar coars is bedder. But is it?
How about 12 or 16 cores at 6GHz plus boost with competition crushing IPC?
No? Thought not..
I bet 2026 is not the year, but maybe in 2032, definitely.
Scheduler changes are normal and an ever going with, but the LPE cores have been supported for a really long time, even before meteor lake.AMD's efficient, mobile designs are monolithic tho.